Quick and Easy Home Recipes

Quick and Easy Home Recipes

We all find ourselves strapped for time. Cooking can often feel like a luxury that we can’t afford. However, quick and easy home recipes are here to save the day. Here is a collection of straightforward yet delightful meals that you can whip up in no time. Rediscover the joy of cooking with minimal effort.

1. 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but are short on time. Shrimp cook quickly and the pasta comes together in a flash.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook until pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring the garlic and oil coat the pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

2. Chicken Avocado Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad that requires minimal cooking. The combination of chicken and avocado is both filling and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 ripe avocado, cubed
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, making sure not to mash the avocado.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

3. One-Pan Baked Salmon and Vegetables

This recipe is perfect for a balanced and nutritious meal with minimal cleanup. The salmon bakes alongside the vegetables, all in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet. Arrange the vegetables around the salmon.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over everything. Sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve immediately.

4. Easy Beef Stir-Fry

A quick stir-fry with beef and vegetables is a satisfying choice for any busy weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 300g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the beef slices. Stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry. Stir for an additional minute until the sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

5. 10-Minute Caprese Sandwich

A simple sandwich that requires no cooking. Ideal for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 ciabatta roll, sliced in half
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Handful fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp pesto sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto sauce on both halves of the ciabatta roll.
2. Layer the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Close the sandwich and enjoy immediately.

6. Quick Chickpea Curry

A vegetarian dish that’s packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in curry powder and cook for another minute.
4. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over cooked rice.

7. Smoothie Bowl

A quick breakfast or snack that’s both delicious and nutritious. Ready in less than 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• Toppings: granola, fresh fruit, chia seeds

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen banana, frozen berries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
3. Top with granola, fresh fruit, and chia seeds as desired.
4. Serve immediately.

8. Veggie Omelette

An easy recipe for a satisfying breakfast or light dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup spinach leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cheese, shredded (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add spinach and cook for another minute until wilted.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the edges start to set.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle it over half of the omelette.
7. Fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute until the eggs are fully set.
8. Slide onto a plate and serve immediately.

9. Instant Pot Rice and Beans

A simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Utilizing the Instant Pot makes it even faster.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil and add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add rice, black beans, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with chopped cilantro on top.

10. Banana Pancakes

A quick breakfast that feels like a treat but is simple to make. These banana pancakes come together swiftly and are a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Maple syrup and toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the banana mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour small amounts of batter into the skillet to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute until golden brown.
6. Serve with maple syrup and your favorite toppings.